Adjustable infant head support

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an adjustable infant head support device. The present invention further relates to a method of using the adjustable infant head support device. The adjustable infant head support comprises support cushions connected or joined by an adjustable brace. The support cushions are designed with a contoured shape to contact and extend over the infant&#39;s shoulders, and to further cup the infant&#39;s jaw such that the weight of the infant&#39;s head is supported primarily by the infant&#39;s shoulders, as the support cushions contact the infant&#39;s shoulders. Thus, the weight of the infant&#39;s head is generally transferred to the shoulders by the support cushion. The adjustable brace is extendable to accommodate the changing size of the infant and the infant&#39;s head as the infant grows.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adjustable infant head supportdevice and method of using the adjustable infant head support device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infants generally have relatively large, heavy heads that theirunderdeveloped neck muscles are unable to support when the infants arein an upright or semi-upright position. When traveling in car seats orstrollers, the unsupported infants' heads will uncomfortably anddangerously wobble from side to side and tilt forward and backward.

As the infants grow and mature, they do develop better neck muscles;however, head support is still needed in car seats and strollers as theynap to keep their heads upright. By maintaining head support for thenapping infant or napping child, the infant or child is less likely tostartle and awake. Moreover, the infant or child with head support ismore comfortable and more likely to remain soothed.

Prior art head support products include an inverted “U” shaped orhorseshoe shaped head support, which is affixed to a piece of fabric.These inverted “U” shaped head supports generally only have the headsupports above and on either side of the head. Inverted “U” shaped headsupports are relatively ineffective because they do not support theweight of an infant's head adequately, as these head supports fail tosupport the jaw region of the infant. Thus, they have no support toprevent the head from tilting forward. Also, they suffer from having afixed width and do not conform to the size of the infant's head.Children may outgrow these prior art devices, necessitating the purchaseof multiple head supports.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adjustable infant head support,including a first support cushion and a second support cushion. Thefirst support cushion includes a first brace portion and the secondsupport cushion includes a second brace portion. The first brace portionand the second brace portion are connected to form an adjustable bracefor the adjustable infant head support. The support cushions aredesigned to contact and extend over the infant's shoulders and to cupthe infant's jaw.

The present invention relates to a method of using an adjustable infanthead support. The method includes providing an adjustable infant headsupport having a first support cushion and a second support cushion,wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion have acontoured shape, and wherein the first support cushion comprises a firstbrace portion and the second support cushion comprises a second braceportion. The first brace portion and the second brace portion areconnected to form an adjustable brace for the adjustable infant headsupport. The first support cushion and the second support cushion reston the shoulders of an infant or child.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an infant using the device.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an infant using the device.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an infant using the device, with a focus onthe tabs.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the first support cushion joining with the secondsupport cushion.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the device.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of the device.

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of the device.

FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view of the device.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the device.

FIG. 10 shows a left view of the device.

FIG. 11 shows a right view of the device.

FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of the device.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a jaw support embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another jaw support embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to an adjustable head support device foruse with an infant or child (hereafter referred to as infant). Thepresent invention further relates to a method of using the adjustableinfant head support device. The adjustable infant head support comprisessupport cushions connected or joined by an adjustable brace.

Generally, a first support cushion and a second support cushion areconnected or joined by the adjustable brace. The support cushions aredesigned with a contoured shape to contact and extend over the infant'sshoulders, and to further cup the infant's jaw such that the weight ofthe infant's head is supported primarily by the infant's shoulders, asthe support cushions contact the infant's shoulders. Thus, the weight ofthe infant's head is generally transferred to the shoulders by thesupport cushion. The adjustable brace is extendable to accommodate thechanging size of the infant and the infant's head as the infant grows.

The contoured shape of the support cushions is an important aspect ofthe present invention. The contoured shape allows the support cushion toextend over the shoulder and cup the jaw to support the jaw.Importantly, the contoured shape reduces the likelihood that theinfant's head will tilt forward.

The contoured shape also provides for a contact point between theshoulders and the support cushions. The support cushions extend up theside of the infant's head and curve to conform to the top of theshoulders. The support cushions rest on the shoulders, and thus theweight of the infant's head is primarily supported by the shoulders. Thesupport cushions do not extend over the top of the baby's head.

The contoured shape of the support cushions generally forms an arc. Asshown in FIG. 1, the concave surface of the arc cups around the head ofthe infant, while the convex surface of the arc points away from thehead of the infant.

In other embodiments, the support cushions are designed in a straight180° orientation, such as tubular cushions. The support cushions arefurther designed to be malleable to allow the parent to conform thesupport cushion to any desired form, such as a tubular contour with a90° to 160° angle located at the center of the cushion. The malleableproperties of the support cushions allow the parent to contour thesupport cushions to the shape of the infant's head and neck, while thesupport cushions curve to conform and rest on the shoulders of theinfant.

The support cushions are made from a polyester fiberfill covered withsoft fabric. In other embodiments, the support cushions may be filledwith materials such as memory foam or a pellet filling.

The support cushions generally have a diameter of approximately threeinches to approximately twelve inches in the middle region. The middleregion of the support cushion has the largest diameter. From the middleregion of the support cushions, the support cushions generally taper indiameter toward each end of the support cushions.

The present invention will now be discussed with particular reference tothe Figures.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, an adjustable infant head support 10 includes anadjustable brace 20 that includes a first brace portion 55 that extendsfrom a first support cushion 50 and a second brace portion 65 thatextends from a second support cushion 60. The first and second braceportions 55, 65 may comprise lengths of fabric or material that are sewnor otherwise connected to either the first support cushion 50 or thesecond support cushion 60. The first and the second brace portions 55,65 are in adjustable communication with each other, such as removablyjoined together via the use of a hook and loop closures, which may coverthe surface of the first and second brace portions 55, 65. Optionally,the first and second brace portions 55, 65 can be removeably joined byany means known in the art including but not limited to snaps, buttons,hook and eye, zippers, reusable tape, and combinations thereof. The term“removably join” means that the user may join the first and second baseportions 55, 65 for use, then separate them, and join them again asdesired by the user. When the first and second brace portions 55, 65join together as shown in FIG. 4, the first support cushion 50 and thesecond support cushion 60 are consequently joined together via theadjustable brace 20.

In other embodiments, the first and second brace portions 55, 65 are inadjustable communication with each other, such as a slideableengagement, which allows the user to adjust the width between the firstsupport cushion 50 and the second support cushion 60.

By covering the length of the surface of the first and second braceportions 55, 65 with the hook and loop as shown in FIG. 4 closures, theadjustable brace 20 may be extended or shortened to accommodate thegrowing infant or different infants. Thus, the user may connect anddisconnect the first brace portion 55 and the second brace portion 65 toaccommodate varying sizes of the infant's head. By connecting the hookand loop closures at different points on the first brace portion 55 andon the second base portion 65, the user may control the size of thedevice. The hook and loop closures are on opposite surfaces of the firstbrace portion 55 and the second base portion 65 to form a workingengagement. In certain embodiments, the adjustable brace 20 may adjustin length from approximately two inches to approximately twelve inches.

The adjustable infant head support device 10 has optional tabs 70 toconnect to the shoulder straps or harness of the car seat, stroller,child carrier, etc. The tabs 70 are formed by a length of fabric ormaterial that extends from or is connected to each of the first andsecond support cushions 50, 60. The tabs 70 are located on a rearsurface of the first and second support cushions 50, 60. The tabs 70 mayalso include hook and loop closures to connect to the shoulder straps orharness. Other connection means, such as snaps or buttons may also beemployed in the tab structure.

The tabs 70 insure that the device 10 will not be pushed off theshoulder by the weight of the infant's head. The adjustable brace 20behind the infant's head also assists in keeping the support cushions inplace by keeping the support cushions 50, 60 on either side of theinfant's head. The tabs 70 also assist in maintaining the device 10 inproper placement on the car seat or stroller when the infant is taken inand out of the seat. The tabs 70 also stabilize the support cushions 50,60 over the infant's shoulders, such that when the infant's head isleaning against the support cushions 50, 60, the support cushions 50, 60provide support and do not give way as show in FIG. 7. The tabs 70 aregenerally located on the first support cushion 50 and on the secondsupport cushion 60 between the brace portions 55, 65 and an end of thesupport cushions 80 that cups the jaw of the infant. The tabs 70securely connect the support cushions 50, 60 to the shoulder straps orharness; however, the tabs 70 allow the slight rotation of the supportcushions to cup the jaw.

The adjustable brace 20 also assists the support cushions 50, 60 incupping the jaw. The adjustable brace 20 is made from flexible material.As an infant's head is positioned in the device 10, the flexible natureof the adjustable brace 20 conforms to the curved shape of the infant'shead and urges the support cushions 50, 60 to rotate slightly such thatthe support cushions 50, 60 cup the jaw. The round shape of the infant'shead pressing against the adjustable brace 20 causes the adjustablebrace 20 to slightly pull on the support cushions 50, 60, thus resultingin the slight rotation. As used herein, the slight rotation involves arotation of less than 45 degrees.

The connection between the adjustable brace 20 and the support cushions50, 60 also assists in the cupping action of the device 10. Theadjustable brace 20 has a width of approximately one to approximatelyseven inches. The first base portion 55 and the second base portion 65generally extend perpendicularly from the middle region of the firstsupport cushion 50 and the second support cushion 60, respectfully asshown. As shown in FIG. 8, this width of the adjustable brace 20connects to a first support cushion 50 at approximately 95 degrees toapproximately 180 degrees from the top of the circular cross-section ofthe first support cushion 50 and connects to the second support cushion60 at approximately 180 degrees to approximately 265 degrees from thetop of the circular cross section of the second support cushion 60. Byconnecting in this region of the support cushions 50, 60, the cuppingaction of the support cushions are enhanced since the support cushions50, 60 will slightly rotate to cup the jaw as the infant or child restsits head against the adjustable brace 20.

In other embodiments, the support cushions may be attached by a singlepiece of fabric. The fabric panel is designed to extend under the headof the infant and optionally behind the infant's torso. The piece ofmaterial will then be in communication with the infant, such that theinfant is resting against the piece of material.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the support cushions 50,60 may be reduced to a size such that they only support the infant's jawshapes, such as a wedge-shape 100 or a sphere-shape 110 may be used tosupport the jaw. These embodiments are shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Thesesphere-shaped 110 cushions or wedge-shaped cushions 100 provide asupport for the jaw and accommodate the chin structure of the infant.These wedge-shaped and sphere-shaped cushions may use a similar oradjustable brace and tabs as to those described herein.

As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of thepresent invention are not limited by the particular details of theexamples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that othermodifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur tothose skilled in the art. It is accordingly intended that the claimsshall cover all such modifications and applications that do not departfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

1. An adjustable infant head support, comprising: a first supportcushion and a second support cushion; the first support cushion and thesecond support cushion shaped to support a jaw of an infant; the firstsupport cushion comprising a first brace portion and the second supportcushion comprising a second brace portion; and wherein the first braceportion and the second brace portion connect to form an adjustable bracefor the adjustable infant head support.
 2. The adjustable infant headsupport according to claim 1, wherein the first brace portion and secondbrace portion removably join to from an adjustable brace.
 3. Theadjustable infant head support according to claim 1, wherein theadjustable brace is a flexible material that flexes around an infant'shead.
 4. The adjustable infant head support according to claim 1,wherein the first support cushion and second support cushion have acontoured shape with the contoured shape forming an arc.
 5. Theadjustable infant head support accordingly to claim 1, wherein thecontoured shape conforms to the side of an infant's head and conforms tothe jaw of an infant.
 6. The adjustable infant head support according toclaim 1, wherein the first support cushion and the second supportcushion have a circular cross-section.
 7. The adjustable infant headsupport according to claim 1, wherein the first brace portion and thesecond brace portion are formed by a length of a fabric or of a materialthat comprises hook and loop closures.
 8. The adjustable infant headsupport according to claim 1, wherein the first support cushion, secondsupport cushion, and adjustable brace connect to cup the head and jaw ofthe infant.
 9. The adjustable infant head support according to claim 1,wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushion have acircular cross-section and have the largest diameter in the middle ofthe support cushions, and the diameter of the support cushions generallytapers toward each end of the support cushion.
 10. The adjustable infanthead support according to claim 1, wherein tabs connect the first andsecond support cushions to a harness or shoulder straps.
 11. Theadjustable infant head support according to claim 9, wherein the tabsallow the first and second support cushions to slightly rotate.
 12. Amethod of using an adjustable infant head support, comprising: providingan adjustable infant head support, comprising a first support cushionand a second support cushion; wherein the first support cushion and thesecond support cushion have a contoured shape; wherein the first supportcushion comprises a first brace portion and the second support cushioncomprises a second brace portion; connecting the first brace portion andthe second brace portion to form an adjustable brace for the adjustableinfant head support; securing the adjustable infant head support to acar seat, baby stroller, or infant carrier; and positioning the firstsupport cushion and the second support cushion on shoulders of an infantor a child.
 13. The method according to claim 11, further comprisingcupping a jaw of the infant or the child with ends of the first supportcushion and the second support cushion.
 14. The method according toclaim 11, further comprising adjusting a length of the adjustable braceby disconnecting and connecting the first brace portion and the secondbrace portion.
 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the firstsupport cushion and the second support cushion comprise tabs, and themethod further comprising, connecting the first support cushion and thesecond support cushion to shoulder straps or a harness via the tabs. 16.The method according to claim 11, wherein the first support cushion andthe second support cushion slightly rotate to cup a jaw of the infant orthe child.
 17. The method according to claim 11, further comprisingtransferring the weight of the infant's or the child's head to theshoulders of the child or the infant.
 18. The method according to claim11, wherein the first support cushion and the second support cushioncomprise tabs, and the method further comprising, connecting the firstsupport cushion and the second support cushion to shoulder straps or aharness via the tabs, wherein the tabs allow the first and secondsupport cushions to slightly rotate.
 19. The method according to claim11, wherein the adjustable infant head support generally prevents a headof the infant or the child from tilting forward.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 11, wherein the adjustable brace flexes around a headof the infant or the child.